This time, she could genuinely feel the full hundred percent effort Remington was putting in, slowly melting the ice that had encased her heart for so long.


    But if Remington ever disappointed her, or made her unhappy, she was ready to protect herself in an instant.


    Now, she had people who had her back, a safety to fall back on, unlike the messy situations she had been in before.


    Jerome watched Lizetta, whose smile was subtle yet dazzling, gripping his coffee cup a bit tighter than usual.


    He had once wanted to ask her about a promise she had made long ago, back when Daisy was still around.


    If Remington ever hurt her again, she promised to give him a chance.


    He wasn''t sure if she would still honor that promise now.


    But seeing her like this, Jerome decided not to bring it up.


    Asking would probably lead nowhere and only add to her guilt and worries.


    Jerome nodded, finished thest sip of his coffee, and stood up first.


    Lizetta followed suit, and Jerome reached out to gently ruffle her hair.


    "I know everything. You think too much. If you ever feel wronged or worry about upsetting Grandma and Grandpa, remember you have a brother at home who''s always got your back."


    He was clearly stepping back to make her feel better, taking on the role of a protective brother.


    Lizetta''s nose tingled, and her eyes turned a bit red as she nodded firmly.


    "Alright, I promise I''ll let you know."


    Jerome raised an eyebrow, smiling with satisfaction, and opened his arms.


    "Why are your eyes getting red? Come here, give me a hug."


    Lizetta chuckled softly and didn''t refuse, stepping closer.


    It was a hug with a bit of distance, but it was warm.


    Jerome patted Lizetta on the shoulder, his voice a low murmur in her ear.


    "Liz, be happy. If he ever lets you down again, next time, no matter what you want, I won''t step back."


    Lizetta knew he meant it.


    Not to mention, growing up with their grandparents, he could easily manipte things to his advantage or put pressure on Remington if he wanted to.


    But he never did, and even now, when his words sounded like a threat, they were more about caring.


    Lizetta hugged him back, her voice heavy with emotion as she said, "Mm-hmm."


    Jerome released her, "Go rest, I''ll be fine here on my own." Lizetta nodded, not saying anything more, and turned to leave. As she reached the door, she couldn''t help but nce back.


    Jerome was already seated on the floor by the coffee table again, his gaze piercing through the


    floor to ceiling window focused on something in the garden, his profile quiet and contemtive.


    Suddenly, zetta spoke up, "Have you ever considered that maybe your feelings for me are more about wanting to make up for past regrets, mixed with a sense of responsibility and gratitude?"


    Jerome looked taken aback, his eyes shifting from the window back to Lizetta, as if he was deep in thought.


    Lizetta smiled again, "Brother, it wasn''t your fault Mom had me prematurely I''ve never med you just hope you can let it go, find the one meant for you, and be happy."


    Back then, Elsa had been with Jerome in Zion City for apetition when she unexpectedly went intobor and suffered severeplications.


    From the first time Lizetta almost got hit by Jerome''s car, she had appeared in his life as a helpless image of their mom.


    She even looked like her mother, and Jerome''s concern and care for her all stemmed from his feelings for Elsa.


    Lizetta knew Jerome had always med himself for what happened, thinking it was his fault Elsa suffered and ultimately weakened.


    The tragic part was, he couldn''t even protect his aunt''s only daughter, who he saw


    as a mother figure, and she had been swapped at the hospital right under his nose.